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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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The average price of a home in Kilkenny is now a full 48% above the level seen at the start of the pandemic in 2020
Two new reports on the housing market and the cost of home ownership this week show the scale of the problem facing potential buyers and those looking to get on the property ladder.
The latest Daft report reveals that, in Kilkenny, prices in the first three months of 2025 were 12% higher than a year previously. The average price of a home is now a full 48% above the level seen at the start of the pandemic in 2020.
As Ronan Lyons warns in his commentary, mortgage market rules were introduced a decade ago to prevent a repeat Ireland’s Celtic Tiger boom, which ended in a calamitous crash. Despite this, prices are up 75% since then.
The reason this time, he says, is not due to a surplus of easy credit and loose lending from the institutions, but rather as a direct result of a dire housing shortage. The lack of supply is driving the sharp increases, pricing out many people and leaving them trapped, paying higher and higher rents .
The number of second-hand homes available to buy nationwide is down 17% year-on-year. Sadly, for many people, the dream of home ownership appears less attainable than ever.
FESTIVAL FEVER
Hot on the heels of a fantastic Tradfest and St Patrick’s Festival, plans are falling into place for a summer of incredible local events.
Kilkenny Arts Festival is among the first out of the blocks this week, with an early announcement of three world premieres coming to the Marble City this August.
The AKA fringe festival will also take place this August. Organisers are encouraging new and established artists to make submissions in time to be included in this year’s events.
The Cat Laughs comedy festival has also confirmed its return for a special 30th anniversary festival. A stellar lineup of comedians has been announced, with more to follow. There’s also the likes of the Roots Festival, as well as end-of-year staples such as Savour Kilkenny, Kilkenomics and Yulefest all still to come.
READ NEXT: Aspiring Kilkenny apprentice electrician makes it through to Screwfix Trade Apprentice semi-finals
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